A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Unduru Taila
Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam (A foundational classical text of Ayurveda by Vāgbhaṭa). Specifically cited from the chapter on Atisāra Cikitsā (Diarrhea Treatment), verse 53.
The formulation is a medicated oil prepared by processing the following components together:
Base Decoction (Kashāya): Prepared from Bṛhat Pañcamūla (The 'Greater' group of five roots). The standard composition includes:
बिल्व - Bilva - Aegle marmelos
अग्निमन्थ - Agnimantha - Premna integrifolia / Clerodendrum phlomidis
श्योनाक - Śyonāka - Oroxylum indicum
पाटला - Pāṭalā - Stereospermum suaveolens
गम्भारी - Gambhārī - Gmelina arborea
Main Ingredient (Māṃsa): Meat of the mole-rat (Unduru Māṃsa), specifically from the species Bandicota bengalensis or Bandicota indica, cleaned of its intestinal parts, and further processed in a milk decoction (Kṣīra Kashāya).
Paste (Kalka): A paste made from drugs known for their Vāta-suppressing properties (Vātaghna Oushadha). This typically includes herbs like Balā (Sida cordifolia), Aśvagandhā (Withania somnifera), etc.
Oil Base (Taila): Sesame Oil (Tila Taila) - Sesamum indicum.
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit)
गुदभ्रंश - Gudabhraṃśa: Prolapse of the rectum (Rectal prolapse).
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation)
Pelvic Floor & Prolapse Disorders:
Rectal Prolapse
Uterine Prolapse
Cystocele (Prolapse of the bladder into the vagina)
General pelvic floor weakness and laxity.
Musculoskeletal Disorders:
Muscle wasting and weakness, particularly for strengthening supportive tissue.
Dosha Karma (Action on Humors): Alleviates all three vitiated Doshas (Tridoṣa Hara), with a specific and pronounced action on pacifying Vāta Dosha (Vāta Śamana). Vāta aggravation is a key factor in degenerative conditions and prolapse.
Dhātu Karma (Action on Tissues): Strengthening and nourishing to the muscle tissue (Māṃsa Balaprada). It provides vitality and tone to the muscular structures.
Agni Karma (Action on Digestive Fire): [Information not explicitly provided in the source text].
Srotas Karma (Action on Body Channels): [Information not explicitly provided in the source text. Based on indication, it acts on Purīṣavaha Srotas (channels carrying feces) and Aṃbuvaha Srotas (channels related to water/metabolism)].
Roga Karma (Disease-Specific Action): Prolapse-reducing and muscle-tonic.
Lakṣaṇika Karma (Symptomatic Action): Strengthening and supportive.
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Predominantly Madhura (Sweet), Kaṣāya (Astringent), and other tastes from the ingredient combination [Inferred from Vātaghna and Bṛhat Pañcamūla drugs].
Guṇa (Quality) Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous) [Inferred from a medicated oil preparation and its Māṃsa content].
Vīrya (Potency) Uṣṇa (Heating) [Inferred from its Vāta-alleviating nature and Tila Taila base].
Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) Madhura (Sweet) [Inferred from its nourishing and building action].
Modern Correlate Actions: The formulation is likely to have tissue-building, nourishing, and strengthening properties. It may help improve muscle tone, connective tissue integrity, and provide supportive nutrition to the pelvic floor and supportive structures.
SNA Oushadhasala Pvt. Ltd. (Ashtanga Hrdayam)
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Note on Mode of Application: Classically, this oil is indicated for both internal administration (Pāna) and therapeutic massage (Abhyanga). However, in contemporary practice, it is primarily used for external application through massage over the lower back, pelvic, and anal regions to strengthen the muscular support.